Hanuman restaurant

Crowne Plaza, 82 Barrett Drive, Alice Springs NT
(08) 8953 7188
Open: Lunch Mon-Fri; dinner seven nights.

Out There magazine - Issue 38

Elaborate Thai artefacts greet diners at the Alice Springs off-shoot of Darwin’s acclaimed Hanuman restaurant. Visionary owner/chef Jimmy Shu has put the restaurant in the capable hands of Thai-born Kritkamon Pethsri (Nong) who presents an exciting menu of Thai and Indian dishes that reflect the origins of her multinational team. There’s a contemporary, innovative twist to many of the dishes, if not in their composition then certainly in their presentation. Mushrooms dolloped with a mince of prawns and pork come on a specially designed wooden plate and are one of a dozen small plates that are ideal for sharing as a starter. Chicken served in parcels of fragrant pandan leaves with a tangy caramelized sauce are another highlight. There’s a hint of the tropics in main dishes such as grilled wild barramundi with passionfruit and ginger sauce; and bugs in a spicy coconut-flavoured sauce. As well as some classic Indian dishes such as beef vindaloo and lamb rogan josh, the menu continues its romp around Asia with succulent Teow-Chiu style pork belly, a masterful dish that is slow-cooked with star anise and cinnamon. In the hands of Hanuman, variety truly is the spice of life.

© Christine Salins

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